By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

Cocalico's Katelyn Costanza (9) carries past the Manheim Township defense during last Thursday's District finals game in Hershey. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)

After falling to Manheim Township in the District finals for the second-straight year, the Cocalico girls lacrosse team will be looking to get back on the winning track Wednesday evening as they begin State Tournament play.

The Lady Eagles (19-3) will open the tournament at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre and will face District Two champion Wyoming Seminary (13-7), beginning at 6 p.m.

This will be the second year in-a-row the teams will square off in the first round. Last year, Cocalico earned its first-ever State win with a 15-12 victory over Wyoming Sem.

Wednesday’s winner will advance to Saturday’s quarterfinals to face the winner of the first round match-up between Radnor (19-4) and Hatboro-Horsham (19-4).

By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

Kevin Pletz was soaking it all in.

Literally.

Standing near the middle of the field Thursday night at Hersheypark Stadium, and fresh off a post-game Gatorade shower, Pletz tried to put into words exactly what he was feeling at that moment.

"It still hasn’t hit me… It’s pretty surreal," he said.

Moments before, the Ephrata boys lacrosse coach saw his team capture its first-ever District Three title with a 6-2 victory over Carlisle in the finals. The Mounts got off to a fast start, opened up a 6-0 lead and then leaned on a rock-solid defense and All-American goalie Brian Neff to become the first boys’ District team champion at EHS since the 1990-91 wrestling squad captured gold.

"I’m just extremely proud of them," Pletz said of his team following the win. "These guys have worked real hard all season to accomplish some of their goals, and a District title was definitely one of them."

The District championship comes after another program first when the Mounts won the L-L League crown for the first time May 12 with a win over Manheim Township in the finals.

By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

When it was all said and done at the PIAA State Track Meet Saturday afternoon in Shippensburg, Ephrata’s Mary Witmer was satisfied, gracious and a little worn out.

The oppressive heat had something to do with the latter, as did the fact that Witmer literally competed in two events simultaneously.

But despite those obstacles, the Ephrata junior posted her second best time this year in the 300 hurdles, finishing in a time of 43.95. And while Dannah Hayward of Coughlin was a little better on this day, winning the gold in a time of 43.37, all things considered, Witmer was happy to be taking home a silver medal.

"To break 44 on a day like this…It’s ridiculously hot and I’m just glad I got second," Witmer said. "It was awesome being up on that podium. It was incredible. Gold was my priority but (Hayward) had an amazing race. I mean her time was very good. She came out of the blocks very fast and got a good lead. I think that was the part where I kind of lost some of my momentum. I wasn’t as fast as I normally am, coming out of the blocks. I’m happy for her. She was a really nice girl."

By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

Cocalico's Kyle Felpel proudly displays the State gold medal he won Saturday in the shot put competition at the PIAA Meet at Shippensburg University. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)

Admittedly, Kyle Felpel held his breath when his friend Kyle Long of Hempfield stepped into the circle for his final throw of the day in the shot put Saturday morning at the PIAA State Track Meet held at Shippensburg University.

"I knew he was going to put one out there," Felpel said.

Long did, but when the throw was finally measured and came up short of the 59-1 1/4 Felpel had posted earlier, the Cocalico senior knew his wait for a State gold medal was finally over.

"When he threw his towel at me, I knew," Felpel said of his buddy. "He did it in a playful manner, but that was pretty close."

Felpel became Cocalico’s first gold medalist at the AAA level and the program’s first since Troy Burkholder took home AA golds in both the javelin and discus back in 1995.

John J. Weaver, 76, formerly of Ephrata, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.

He was born in Philadelphia to the late Vincent and Helen (Howe) Weaver and was the husband of Patricia (Rodman) Weaver, who celebrated 19 years of marriage in August.

For 35 years, John worked as a flight aircraft mechanic for Boeing Aircraft until his retirement in 1982. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by a son: William Dimitri Weaver; a daughter: Joann Weaver, of Wenonah, N.J.; two stepsons: Jon VonSchmitt, husband of Tracie Scott, of Ephrata; and Hans, husband of Megan VonSchmitt, of Denver; and four grandchildren: Billy, Taylor, Grace and Madison.

Private funeral services and interment will be at the convenience of family.

Arrangements are being made by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Mary E. Shirk, 90, of Ephrata, formerly of New Holland, died Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Fairmount Homes.

Born in East Earl Township, she was the daughter of the late Harry E. and Carrie (Laukhuff) Frank. Her husband, P. Allen Shirk, died July 25, 2001.

Mary worked at the former Victor F. Weaver Poultry and later at Yoder’s Country Market in New Holland. She was a 77-year member of Ranck’s United Methodist Church and a member of the Blue Ball Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed working with flowers and playing miniature golf.

Surviving are three grandchildren: Angela D., wife of Brian Bowman, of Denver; Thomas L. Shirk, of Narvon; and Michael L., husband of Heather (LaVenture) Shirk, of Lititz; six great grandsons; and daughter-in-law: Dorothy (Tshudy) Shirk, of Narvon.

Preceding her in death are a son: Donald L. Shirk; two sisters: Myrtle McCamant and Mabel Houck; and a brother: Floyd Frank.

Funeral services were held on May 30 at the Ranck’s United Methodist Church, New Holland, with the Rev. Kevin Readman officiating. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may sent to Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Richard G. Reppert, 79, of New Holland, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 at Philadelphia Hospice after a brief illness.

He was the husband of Phyllis J. (Usner) Reppert.

Richard was born in Reading, son of the late William and Marion (Ziegler) Reppert.

He was a Korean War veteran and retired from The Jay Group of Leola. Early in life, he was employed by the Boyertown Casket Company. He was a member of the New Holland VFW and American Legion.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter: Tammy S., wife of Larry Bigley, of Ephrata; two stepsons: John Becker IV, husband of Sharon (Gockley) Becker, of New Holland; and Jody Becker, husband of Barbara (Snader) Becker, of Ephrata; two granddaughters: Brittany and Tasha Becker; five grandsons: Justin and John Becker and Jared, Cameron and Riley Bigler; and one great-grandson: Lucas Becker.

Funeral services were held on May 26 at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals with the Rev. William Hoak officiating. Place of interment was Memory Gardens, East Cocalico Township.

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Humane League, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Yevgeniya (Starikova) Patrushev, 78, of Ephrata, entered into rest at her residence Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

Yevgeniya was born on Jan. 7, 1934. On March 22, 1954 she got married to the late Vasily F. Patrushev. During their married life, they had raised two sons and eight daughters, (35 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren).

On June 13, 1989, the whole family had immigrated to America, thanks to the sponsors from Weaverland Mennonite Church. She was the member of the Brickerville Grace Fellowship.

She is survived by two sons, Petr and Veniamin Patrushev, seven daughters: Vera Zakharov, Nadezda Sinyagin, Luba Zhrebilov, Natalya Tchekalenko, Olga Mantsevich, Yelena Pidgorodetskiy and Svetlana Matsku; 35 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Vasily F. Patrushev in 2009; and her daughter: Nina Enne in 2007.

Funeral services were held on May 25 at Brickerville Grace Fellowship, Lititz. Interment was in the Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements were made by Stradling Funeral Homes Akron/Ephrata. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, visit stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Arlene M. Myers, 80, of Akron, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at her residence.

She was born in Point Pleasant, W. Va., to the late George and Myrtle (Simpkins) Watson and was the wife of the late Jack C. Myers, who died in July 1993.

Arlene retired from Nationwide Insurance, where she worked as a legal secretary.

Arlene is survived by her four daughters: Melinda, wife of Harry Yochum, of Akron; Diane Myers, of Harrisburg; Julie Myers, of Waxahachie, Texas; and Lynn Myers, of Rockville, Md.; two grandsons: Jory Faulkner, of Philadelphia, son of Diane Myers; and Julian Quinn, of Waxahachie, Texas, son of Julie Myers; a sister: Ruth (Watson), wife of Gary Bolus, of Okatia, S.C.; and a brother: Ken, husband of Sherry Watson, of Columbus, Ohio.

Memorial services were held on May 26 at the Stradling Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Richard Cook officiating. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Arlene’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County P. O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements are being made by Stradling Funeral Homes Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Vernon Charles Martin, 88, previously of Bowmansville, passed away at Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres, Fla., Friday, May 11, 2012.

He had lived in Fort Myers, Fla., for most of the past 10 years. Vernon was born July 22, 1923, in Maugansville, Md. His parents were Henry H. Martin and Edna Martin. His wife of 68 years, Edith Gehman Martin, preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 2011.

He is survived by two brothers and two sisters: Gerald, husband of the late Pauline Martin, of Chambersburg; Aldine, husband of Margaret Martin, of Greencastle; Lowe Mae, wife of Abram Crider, of Shippensburg, and Miriam, wife of Ronald Friesen, of Manheim; six children: Clair, husband of Guenn, of Ft. Myers, Fla.; Lou Ann, wife of Parke Good, of Lititz; Dean, husband of Eunice, of Birmingham, Ala.; Daryl, husband of Karen, of Berne, Ind.; Judy, wife of Luke Kurtz, of Bowmansville; and Karl, husband of Kelly, of Aberdeen, N.C.; 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

His brother: Ivan, husband of Emma Martin, preceded him in death.

A memorial service is planned for June 2 at 10 a.m. at Bethany Grace Fellowship, 400 Reading Road (Route 625), East Earl.